Hikers can access mountain trails directly from their campsite at Rustler Park Campground, which sits at elevation in the Coronado National Forest. The US Forest Service operates this seasonal campground from April through October, accommodating RVs up to 22 feet on drive-in sites equipped with picnic tables. Pine trees provide natural cover throughout the campground.
The approach requires navigating a long dirt road, but campers find standard amenities including drinking water and restrooms once they arrive. For additional options in the area, see places to camp near Coronado National Forest. Book early for summer visits when cooler mountain temperatures draw visitors escaping desert heat.
Description
Rustler Park is a wildflower-carpeted meadow high in the Chiricahuas. Around the turn of the century, rustlers concealed stolen stock there while altered brands healed and pursuit cooled. Today, the meadow provides a cool mountain respite from the deserts below. Rimmed with Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine, the meadow is sprinkled with seasonal wildflowers. Campsites at Rustler Park are scattered along access roads that have been purposefully kept out of the meadow to avoid damaging fragile plants and soils. Since the Horseshoe II fire in 2011, the campground has been rebuilt and some campsites now have canopies to give visitors shade. Rustler Park is an excellent place to pursue birdwatching. Larger animals, including black bear, are frequently spotted here, too. Trails lead from the campground into the Chiricahua Wilderness and to other places of interest. Note: Black bears in area. Use Bear boxes provided.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundRustler Park Campground is located in Arizona
Directions
From Douglas, take US 80 two miles west to US 191. Go north on US 19135 miles to Sunizona. Take AZ 181 east, then north, for approximately 28 miles (stay on paved road) to FR 42. Continue up FR 42 (Pinery Canyon) 12 miles to Forest Road 42D. Turn right at Onion Saddle and drive approximately 2.5 miles to Rustler Park Campground.
Coordinates
31.90515059 N
109.27997018 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 36 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
- 2 hrs 41 min from Tucson, AZ
- 3 hrs 19 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 3 hrs 50 min from El Paso, TX






